Giant LeBron banner set for removal following departure for Lakers

CLEVELAND -- The massive LeBron James banner hanging downtown is being removed again following the superstar's announcement he's leaving Cleveland.

The 10-story billboard, which shows James wearing his No. 23 jersey with his arms spread wide, has become a city landmark. It was also removed in 2010 when he decided to join the Miami Heat. On Sunday, James agreed to sign a four-year, $153 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The giant LeBron banner in downtown Cleveland will be taken down now that James has chosen to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Cleveland City Planning Commission

A Nike spokesman said the removal of the banner will begin Tuesday and take several days to complete.

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Lakers legend Kobe Bryant personally welcomed LeBron James to the Lakers family shortly after James committed to the storied franchise on Sunday, telling ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that "the dreams are substantially bigger now" for the team's young core.